Nine Chinese workers were killed at a gold mine in the Central African Republic. The government said it investigated the massacre and concluded it was planned by a major rebel group.
The rebels denied the accusation and blamed a third party operating in the country: the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Analysts say the attacks highlight the growing disconnect between China's economic ambitions and its overseas security apparatus, which relies on a patchwork of local military, mercenaries and private companies to protect Chinese workers. The accusations surrounding Wagner's possible involvement are especially sensitive for China, pointing to the complications Xi faces.